There is no single method, as there are a multitude of models to choose from. However, in general, the battery is locked and you need to use a key (supplied with purchase) to unlock it. You then need to slide it out of the connectors to remove it. Be careful, it's heavier than it looks!
Is it necessary to remove the battery on an electric bike?
As the proud owner of a beautiful electric bike, you're determined to take good care of it! So far, you're keeping your promise to clean it thoroughly after every ride. Good for you! But what about themaintenance of its electrical components and, more generally, taking part in maintenance of your electric bike? In this article, we're going to answer a number of questions you're probably asking yourself: should the battery be removed from an electric bike? When should you remove the battery from your EAB? Should the battery be disconnected in winter? As an essential part of your gleaming bike ,the battery must be used in the right conditions to prolong its life... Don't panic! Here's our advice!
Should I remove the battery from my electric bike?
For everyday use, it's better to leave the battery in place
If you use your electric bike almost every day, there's no need to take it off and put it back on again and again.
If you remove and replace the battery frequently, you run the risk of damaging the connecting plugs. On a regular commute, for example, there's no need to remove the battery every night.
But sometimes it's better to remove your bike battery
When you live in an apartment or apartment block, it's not always easy to charge the battery while leaving it in place. In such cases, you can of course return home with the battery of your electrically-assisted bicycle every evening and put it back in place in the morning.
It's also advisable to remove the battery when you leave your bike in a public space. Batteries are expensive, and theft is on the increase. While your bike is more or less safe when secured with a U-shaped bike lock, the battery is fairly easy to remove. Other anti-theft systems are not very resistant to hardened thieves.
What's more, insurance companies are sometimes reluctant to cover non-fixed parts. Removable batteries are therefore sometimes excluded from the amount taken into account for compensation...
So don't hesitate to take it with you to the office if your employer doesn't provide a secure bike room.
When it is really advisable to remove the battery from your EAB
Electric-assist bicycle batteries don't take kindly to extreme temperatures. Below 0°C or above 30°C, you'll feel the loss of performance yourself. Ideally, you shoulduse your battery at around 20°C.
But since we can't choose the weather, we recommend that you don't leave your battery exposed to these temperatures for too long. In other words, take it with you after your journey. To ensure maximum energy storage in these conditions, wait until the battery is at room temperature before recharging.
Another situation in which we strongly recommend removing the battery from the EAB: long periods of inactivity.
Bringing your bike battery in during the winter is a good idea, for example, as you'll probably be less keen on velotafing in February... This way, it's not exposed to the low temperatures of your garage or cellar.
Best practices for prolonging the life of your electric bike battery
Our tips for efficient battery recharging
When you receive your electric bike, the battery is usually partially charged. Perform a full charge cycle before using your bike for the first time, to renew the energy stored before setting off.
When you want to load it, we advise you to proceed as follows:
- check that the battery is switched off;
- first connect the battery to the charger before plugging it into the mains (this will prevent any arcing, which could damage your battery);
- unplug it as soon as you see that it is recharged;
- make sure it is always switched off before replacing it on your bike (if you have removed it...).
The life of an electric bike battery is expressed in charge cycles. Manufacturers generally guarantee 300 to 500 cycles. In terms of years, and on the basis of normal use, you can hope to extend it to 5 years, or even a little more, by following these instructions as closely as possible.
Common mistakes to avoid when recharging
A few basic mistakes to avoid include not waiting until the battery is flat. As soon as it drops below 40%, plug it in!
Of course, it doesn't matter if you occasionally fall below this threshold. In that case, just remember to recharge it as soon as you get back. Batteries don't like to be completely flat for long periods.
Another tip: always use the original charger or a compatible charger from the same brand as your battery. The universal transformers sometimes found online are not suitable for all VAE batteries.
Battery maintenance in winter
It's all very well to keep your electric battery safe during the cold season. But there are a few best practices you can follow to make sure it winters peacefully...
It is therefore advisable to store it with a load between 30 and 70%.
And then, don't forget it! Plug it in for 30 minutes at least once a month. It should return to a level between 30 and 70%... Likewise, it may seem obvious, but don't leave the battery connected to the mains all winter long. It's not good for it, it's not good for your wallet, and it's not good for the planet!
By following these simple tips, you'll ensure that she retains her full potential until the warm weather returns.
The VAE battery: beyond charging
Cleaning a bicycle battery
To keep your bike looking as good as new, you may need to clean the battery. Here too, this component requires special treatment.
The first thing to do is remove the battery from the bike. Then use a slightly damp cloth to clean it. For battery connectors, use a dry, delicate cloth to wipe off any dust that may have settled on them.
Finally, don't clean your electric bike with a jet of water. If it's really necessary, because it's particularly dirty, remove the battery first!
How to spot a faulty battery
No matter how careful you are, there will come a time when your electric-assist bike battery will weaken. This is a gradual process: if it's not a breakdown, it will gradually lose its capacity.
You may notice that you're making fewer trips than before on a full charge. Or you may find that you can no longer fully charge it, even after hours on the mains. All these symptoms indicate a drop in capacity.
You have two choices:
- take it to a recycling centre: it is strictly forbidden to dispose of it in any other way;
- have it reconditioned, which is much more environmentally friendly!
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove the battery from an electric bike?
How do I know my battery's charge level?
When riding, the charge level is normally always displayed on the control screen. Either as a percentage, or as a draining battery (a bit like on a smartphone...).
At standstill, as long as the battery is not connected to the mains, you can always switch on the control screen to check the charge level.
If the battery is charging, you don't need to switch on the LED display to check. You'll have to rely on the charge indicator directly on the battery. The shape may vary from model to model, but is always explained in the booklet supplied with the bike.
Is an electric-assist bike's battery always removable?
We haven't mentioned it yet, but sometimes, for aesthetic reasons, the battery is completely integrated into the frame. In these cases, of course, it cannot be removed. So, before turning to this type of electric bike, make sure you have a dry place with the right temperature to store your bike in good conditions all year round.
Batteries require large quantities of resources for their design. For this reason, it's vital to take good care of them to prolong their life as much as possible.
As we've seen, it's not necessary to remove your EAB battery every day. Nevertheless, to avoid theft, to recharge it when the bike is in a room, or to protect it from the weather, there are situations in which it's advisable to remove the battery from your bike's frame or mudguard.